2012 Workers’ Compensation Legislative Changes (Tennessee)

The maximum weekly benefit rate for temporary disability benefits for injuries occurring from July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2013 is $886.60.
The maximum weekly benefit rate for permanent benefits for injuries occurring July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2013 is $806.00.
The Legislature also added provisions with regard to pain management. Now, if a claimant is referred for pain management, the panel must include physicians within 175 miles from the employee’s residence or place of employment. Moreover, the employee is not entitled to a second opinion with regard to pain management, and the employer may use utilization review with regard to pain medication. The legislation further provides that if the claimant violates the terms of the prescription medication agreement with the physician more than once, the claimant shall not be entitled to receive pain management through workers’ compensation.
Venue: A suit may be filed in the county in which the employee resided at the time of the injury or in the county where the injury occurred.